Between Riverside and Crazy Short Essay - Answer Key

1. How is Pops' apartment described in the stage directions for Act 1?

Pops' apartment is described as one in disrepair and lack of upkeep. There is a dead Christmas tree, fully lit in the living room of the home. It is apparent that the apartment was once cared for and it is in a building in a nice neighborhood in Manhattan.

2. What is the status of Pops's family at the opening of the play?

Pops's wife Delores died just before the previous Christmas. Pops and Delores had one son, Junior, who lives with Pops along with his girlfriend Lulu and a friend Oswaldo.

3. Who is Oswaldo and how would you describe his relationship with Pops in Act 1, Scene 1?

Oswaldo is a friend of Junior's who has a criminal history. He is staying with Pops. He is friendly with Pops and Pops considers him family, refusing when Oswaldo suggests he will begin paying Pops rent money soon.